A pine needle or a rusty nail?

Several weeks ago the deck on my condo in South Carolina was torn down and rebuilt. Upon completion I went out to admire the work and explore my new deck. As I began to walk underneath the deck to appreciate the craftsmanship I heard a big "crunch". I  looked down to see that I was walking on a deep bed of brown pine needles. After taking a couple more steps though, the walk got "crunchier", and I realized I was also walking on rusty nails!  

I couldn't believe it - it was near impossible to distinguish the pine needles from the rusty nails. How could my eyes deceive me like that? So with safety in mind I began collecting the rusty nails ... 

Now before I share the rest of my story, you may be wondering "how in the world do pine needles that look like nails, and nails that look like pine needles have to do with the topic of leadership?" Check out my two minute video to explore ...

After you watch slow down and LOOK. Look at your current leadership practices - where might these practices seem like they are working, and yet if you go look harder they really are not working?

Where, at first glance, do you think you got it all handled? Where are you resting on a soft pile of pine needles and perhaps there is a nail hiding in there? 

Are you willing to look?

Much compassion,